Fish Health Specialist

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves working in all areas of fish health management, conducting routine and diagnostic fish health inspections on both wild and hatchery-reared fish. Responsibilities include preparing culture media and field sampling materials, collecting samples in the field and lab, preparing samples for shipping, and performing laboratory work to identify bacterial and parasitic fish pathogens. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting and managing data, communicating findings, and providing reports. Maintaining technical competence through workshops and educational opportunities, participating in educational and public relations activities, and assisting with import and transport permits are also key duties. The role involves working with hatchery staff to develop disease prevention and control strategies for Montana's state fish hatcheries.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of fish disease, fish health management, fish biology, fish culture, microbiological techniques, statistics, algebra, chemistry, and computers.
Strong speaking and writing skills.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to schedule time effectively.
Ability to work effectively with other people.
Interest and ability to learn and apply fish disease concepts, laws and policies.
Ability to grasp and learn new techniques to keep up with changing technologies.
Ability to utilize proper laboratory procedures to identify fish pathogens.
Ability to interpret laboratory results.
Knowledge of the use of compound and dissecting microscopes and other laboratory equipment.
Valid driver's license.
Bachelor's degree in fish health management, fish & wildlife management, fish and wildlife biology, microbiology or closely related field.
1-2 years prior work experience.

Responsibilities

Conducts both routine and diagnostic fish health inspections on both wild and hatchery reared fish.
Prepares culture media and field sampling materials.
Collects samples in the field and in the lab.
Prepares samples for shipping to appropriate laboratories.
Conducts laboratory work necessary to identify bacterial and parasitic fish pathogens.
Collects and manages data.
Communicates findings and provides reports to various parties.
Maintains technical competence in the fish health and fisheries fields by participating in workshops, professional meetings, and other educational opportunities.
Participates in educational and public relations activities.
Performs laboratory work related to fish health investigations and health condition assessments.
Provides assistance in reviewing and issuing import permits and transport permits.
Works with hatchery staff to develop strategies to prevent and control diseases in Montana’s 11 State fish hatcheries.